Alcove Honors Young Man's Memory

Library Space Set Aside To Help Young People Socialize

BRISTOL — After 23-year-old Cory Dubnansky was killed in an ATV accident three years ago, his family looked for a way to honor his memory and help the community at the same time.

Their work has led to a new youth and music area at the public library that will open with a reception Wednesday evening.

The young adult department at the newly expanded library downtown has set aside Our Space, an alcove in Dubnansky's memory, and intends it to be a place for young people to get together to talk or listen to music.

``We want a funky look and seating that will discourage older people from using it. In other words, everything is very low to the ground,'' Susan Theriault, young adult librarian, said in a statement. ``The area will be colorful, and especially so when the afternoon sun comes through five stained glass sun catchers which will hang in the windows.''

The project is funded with money from the Main Street Foundation, which collected memorial contributions after Dubnansky's death on June 4, 2004. His mother, Joanne Lozefski, and his father, Gary Dubnansky, endorsed the idea of using the money to create a place for young people to socialize at the library. It will also include a new CD collection and a PlayStation console with video games that develop musical skills.

``It was a good idea. They showed us what it's going to look like, and it's a nice little area where kids can congregate or talk about whatever,'' Gary Dubnansky said.

``Cory liked his music, and this will be sort of a music department,'' Gary Dubnansky said. ``It was a thing we felt we could give back to the community rather than just have a plaque or a bench somewhere.''

Cory Dubanansky was an E.C. Goodwin Technical School graduate, and was planning to study at the Connecticut Culinary Institute in Farmington, according to this family. He played guitar, violin, keyboards and other instruments, and was the bass player in the local band Neuveus Dae. Police believe Dubnansky was driving an ATV along railroad tracks near his home when he hit a deer and crashed down an embankment.

The ribbon-cutting and reception at Our Space is set for 6 p.m.; Dubnansky's family and friends will be attending, Theriault said. There will be music and refreshments, and Theriault emphasized that middle school and high school students are especially encouraged to attend.